Jody Mayhew on Life, Music, and Finding Hope

'Nog 'n Kans' out this Friday!

0 5 minutes read

Jody Mayhew on Life, Music, and Finding Hope – South African singer-songwriter Jody Mayhew has long been captivating audiences with his heartfelt lyrics and unique blend of singer-songwriter, country, and Afrikaans music.

Known for his ability to connect deeply with listeners, Jody’s journey from self-taught guitarist to a respected artist on the South African music scene is one of passion, perseverance, and raw emotion. With his new single ‘Nog ‘n Kans’, Jody brings a message of hope and resilience, offering a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always another chance.

In this interview, Jody opens up about the inspiration behind ‘Nog ‘n Kans‘, his personal approach to songwriting, and how his music has the power to touch lives.

Life, Music, and Finding Hope…

Q: Jody, you were born in Pietermaritzburg and grew up in Brits. How did your upbringing influence your decision to pursue music, and what led you to teach yourself to play the guitar at 15?

Jody Mayhew: I grew up listening to a lot of music, but becoming a musician was never something I considered. I saw friends playing guitar and thought, “Why not try it?” At the time, I was going through personal battles, and the guitar became a way to escape for a while.

Q: You began performing at 18 during a school revue. Can you take us back to that moment? What was it like stepping onto the stage for the first time, and how did it shape your confidence as a performer?

Jody Mayhew: It was nerve-wracking, but at the same time, it gave me a sense of fulfilment that made me want to keep returning to the stage. As a performer, it showed me that anything is possible, and the confidence you gain from achieving something like that is priceless.

Q: Your music carries a singer-songwriter, country feel mixed with Afrikaans influences. Who are some of the artists or genres that have shaped your unique sound?

Jody Mayhew: I listen to a wide variety of music, but artists like Herman Kleinhans, Jan Blohm, Zach Bryan, and Tyler Childers have definitely influenced my sound.

Q: You’ve opened for some of South Africa’s most notable artists, including Arno Carstens, Francois van Coke, and Roan Ash. How has performing alongside these artists influenced your own approach to songwriting and live performances?

Jody Mayhew: It’s shown me that people appreciate uniqueness, and that realisation has made me invest more of myself into my writing and performances.

Q: You’ve been performing since 2014, and you’ve released several songs. One of your earlier tracks, ‘Travel the World’, even reached the top three in an international competition. What did that accomplishment mean for your career at the time?

Jody Mayhew: It made me believe in my talent. The industry can be tough, but when something like that happens, it boosts your confidence and pushes you to keep moving forward without looking back.

Q: You transitioned into creating more Afrikaans music, starting with your track ‘Altyd Somer Saam Met Jou’, which received heavy rotation on radio stations. What motivated you to start writing in Afrikaans, and how has the response been from your fans?

Jody Mayhew: The response to the Afrikaans music has been fantastic – people often enjoy something different. I thought, “I have the opportunity to write whatever I want, so why not try it?” Instead of sticking to one genre, sound, or language, I decided to embrace diversity.

Q: Let’s talk about your new single, ‘Nog ‘n Kans’. This song carries a message of hope and encouragement. Could you share the story that inspired you to write this track?

Jody Mayhew: I was scrolling through Facebook and saw a post about a young boy who had taken his own life. From that moment, I knew I had something to say, and ‘Nog ‘n Kans’ was born.

Q: You’ve mentioned that the song was motivated by the tragic story of a 15-year-old boy who took his life. How did writing ‘Nog ‘n Kans’ help you process those emotions, and what do you hope the song conveys to listeners who may be struggling?

Jody Mayhew: I was also 15 once and experienced some of the same emotions he must have gone through. Writing this song helped me deal with my own past issues, and I hope that anyone going through similar struggles, or who hasn’t yet dealt with their pain, finds comfort and upliftment in this song.

Q: The song is written in Afrikaans. What about the Afrikaans language felt appropriate for expressing the message of ‘Nog ‘n Kans’, and how do you feel about connecting with listeners through this language?

Jody Mayhew: It just flowed naturally when I wrote it. Something told me that someone who listens to Afrikaans music needed to hear this message.

Q: Your lyrics often reflect deep emotions and real-life situations. What’s your songwriting process like? Do you start with the melody, or do the words come first?

Jody Mayhew: The words usually come first, which helps me build the song more easily.

Q: With ‘Nog ‘n Kans’, the lyrics are incredibly powerful. Could you walk us through some of the lines, like “Maar ek bid vir nog ‘n kans”? What message do you hope listeners take away from these words?

Jody Mayhew: The message is that someone in your life is there for you. Even if they don’t say it out loud. They’re praying for you to give life another chance and not give up.

Q: You’ve touched on sensitive and meaningful topics in your music, especially with ‘Nog ‘n Kans’. Do you believe music has the power to change lives and help those facing mental health struggles?

Jody Mayhew: Absolutely. Writers and performers often express what many people can’t. When they hear it, they realise they aren’t alone in how they feel.

Q: You’ve mentioned that this song has already saved someone’s life. How does it feel to know that your music can have such a profound impact, and does this shape the way you approach future projects?

Jody Mayhew: Knowing that my music can save lives makes me want to write more songs that truly mean something, rather than just creating music for the sake of it.

Q: What’s next for you, Jody? Are there any more singles, collaborations, or upcoming performances that your fans can look forward to?

Jody Mayhew: There are plenty more songs the world needs to hear from me, for sure, and I have a collaboration in the works.

Q: How do you see your music evolving in the future? Are there any new genres or directions you’re interested in exploring?

Jody Mayhew: I’m always open to trying new things. Whatever comes my way, I’m willing to explore—there are no limits.

Q: What message would you like to share with your fans? For those going through tough times who may find solace in ‘Nog ‘n Kans’?

Jody Mayhew: Stay focused on the dreams in your heart. People and life may hurt you, but guard your heart above all else. Deal with it day by day, so you can move forward.

‘Nog ‘n Kans’ Out this Friday!

With ‘Nog ‘n Kans’, it’s clear that Jody transcends entertainment with his music. It’s a lifeline for those in need of hope. His authenticity and compassion shine through every note. His work not only a reflection of his personal journey but also a beacon for others facing their own struggles. With more music on the horizon and a growing connection with his audience, Jody’s footprint in the world of music continues to deepen, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of his listeners.

Stream ‘Nog ‘n Kans’ on all platforms HERE from Friday 27 September